Rejoicing in the Lord

Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again. Rejoice!

Philippeans 4:4

This verse is so simple....I love it. Just think about it; whenever you are having a bad day, even the worst day of your life, if you rejoice in the Lord and say out loud 'Father, I love you, you're awesome!', your day will seem to get a little brighter. That is his little miracle for you because all he wants is your unconditional love and if you can love him and rejoice in his name even on your crappiest days, he'll smile at you.

I had a crappy day at work yesterday and all that lovely stuff and I got home and went to bed tired and stressed and confused. When I woke up, I felt awful because I hadn't sat down with my Father and hashed out my day. So, this morning, I did and he showed me this verse and as I thought about it, it dawned on me. So, what you had a bad day? You're alive: REJOICE!

So, I have to ask you guys: What makes you rejoice? What makes you happy even on the bad days? And, if you need a little prayer, just ask, I'd be happy to talk to God with you or for you.

I'll leave you with one more quote which I got off a Sunday bulletin last summer:

May you be comforted in knowing that this difficult trial will have an end. God has ordained that all things will come to a conclusion. As painful as it seems right now, none of this will last forever. As God's grace prevails, the struggle will end at just the right time, and you will rejoice in a bright, new day.

Beautious

Okay, I must say; I watched 'Step Up' last night and wow, what a brilliant movie but....even if you do not like that sort of movie, I think (and this is just my humble opinion) that Channing Tatum is a must-see all by his little self. Wow, he was tres cute in 'She's the Man' but holy crap! I might be slightly in love with him. For those of you who agree, give me a holla!

Prism Pictures

Picture #1:

From Left to Right: Steve-O, Al Harlow and Tim

Picture #2:

Cass and Steve-O


Picture #3:

Me and Steve-O

Reservoir Hobbits

I saw this picture and just had to post it. Enjoy!

A Night To Remember

The crowd is amazingly loud and the room is filled with cigarette smoke and a slight hum from the last remnants of the opening band when a loud boom sounds through the bar and Spaceship Superstar begins to play. Four figures cut through the chatter and emerge onstage....Gary, Tim, Steve-O and Al Harlow. And the concert begins.

Yes, indeed, my friends, Cass and I just got back from seeing the one and only Prism and it was FREAKING AMAZING!!! They played all our favourites....Spaceship Superstar, Flying, Take me Away, See Forever Eyes, Virginia, Cover Girl, Night to Remember, Take me to the Kaptin, Armageddon. It was all there and yes, they are coming out with a brand new album this year! They sang a song from it based on an experience with a girl from the Calgary Stampede last year.

And, before they sang 'Cover Girl' they were like, this is based on a friend of our from Vancouver who went to L.A. and became a playboy girl and was beaten to death by her jealous husband and this is one of the lines:

Five years in eighteen months

She got everything all at once

She moved out that's when he moved in

Cover Girl it's such a damn waste

You were more than just a pretty face

I never thought I'd never see you again

And I turned to Cass and was like, this song means so much more when you know where it came from!

And Al Harlow (the lead singer) has these awesome huge white shades and big hair and tight pants and a leopard print muscle shirt. He's so cool and Steve-O is the guitarist slash wicked keyboardist and he kept looking at us and he played a riff to us and they came and did their solos in front of us. And just before their encore, they were toasting and I clinked my glass with Steve-O and we drank. It was awesome! And Gary played the best drum solo ever!

I'm so sad it's over, but Cass and I took pictures and we got pictures of us with Steve-O and he put his arm around us and it was also amazing because he's totally amazing. Cass and I got in the car and squealed like highschoolers. It was terrific. And, there will be pictures as soon as we get them developed, I promise, because you'll all be jealous of us and Steve-O.

Next August ladies, Lethbridge will be the place to be. It's so incredible seeing someone so close and in concert that you used to pretend to be when you were little. At one time, we were bouncing around singing along to flying and then, we were living it. It was crazy.

So, I bid you a wonderful night because I had the best night ever. Love and peace,

Al

Beautiful

Oh my goodness! This is one of the most beautiful performances I've seen on the show. Plus, I'm slightly in love with Travis. My favourite part is when she's underneath the bench and he's on top. It moves me.

The Life and Times of Allison Trumbley: A Documentary

April 28th, 2006: Grad

Ah, grad. Here, you're looking at us getting ready to go out and party! Top left is Rusty Clark, Top right is me, bottom right is Christy Helle and bottom left is Andrea Mack. Missing from the photo is Jarvis Larson and Cheryl Lane. Party on Wayne!

May 26th, 2006:Christmas in May

Here we are, pretending that we are having a 'holly, jolly, Christmas!'. In the photo, is a picture of our lovely Christmas Tree and the gifts under it. Not gifts are the cat toys and the suitcase. Just so you know!

May 28th, 2006: Accent Night

For those of you who aren't privelaged enough to know what 'accent' night is, it is a night when you go out to paint the town, sporting a brand new accent and culture! That is right my friends, you fool everyone. Amber went as a Southern belle, Cass was British and I was Australian. We had a ton of fun that night and took a lot of pictures of a lot of things (right ladies?) but this one is good. From the left to right is Amber, Me and Cass.

Exact Date Unknown: Writing-On-Stone
For those who have not heard of the amazing writing-on-stone park, it's like a desert of weird rock formations called hoodoos. Now, on the day I went, I went with my fake nana's dog Ty and my friend Dennis who are not pictured here. Just me, on the top of a hoodoo.

June 24th, 2006: Andrea and John's Wedding

Yes, Ladies and Gents, the same Andrea that was posted earlier. And I apologize that there is no picture of the bride and groom but it turned out kind of dark. So feel free to gaze at Cass and I in our wedding best.

Gray, Still, Run, Hannah

Gray, Still, Run, Hannah

Oh Hannah, I've grown so weary
Of watching the ice melt on the glass
If we were really being honest
With ourselves
We would have left this years ago

It’s alright, it’s alright, I know
It’s only your nature to rove
Gray
Still
Run (repeat 2X)

I sit here and gulp for air but I fear
I’m comin' up water
My footing on this bridge
Is uncertain
It’s swallowed into the sea

It’s alright, it’s alright, I know
It’s only your nature to rove

Gray
Still
Run (Repeat 2X)

My footing on this bridge
Is uncertain
It’s swallowed into the sea

A little new from 'The Old West'

Hey, everyone! Well, I know that everyone wants to see a new post, so here it is....nothing much goes on here. I haven't been too busy. Business is slow but I hope to see it pick up soon. But, not to fear, I have a job now! That's right, I have extra income coming in. I start tomorrow. It's a position as a cleaner for houses, construction zones, and offices. It's not glamerous but it sure does pay well and my boss is fantastic. She's going to work me around my massages.

So, I've been spending my last few weeks, cleaning the house and finishing up little projects so that when I start getting busy, it's all taken care of. I've also been writing....alot. It's fantastic. I haven't been bitten by the writing bug in awhile. I've been working on a little bit of a story from the 1800's and to try and see it visually, I've done a few sketches. I haven't posted all of my drawings but here are a few...enjoy!

Calmo Mao is Under Way!

I am now open for business and have had a whopping four customers this week...which doesn't seem like a lot but when you're just building a massage clientelle, it's not too bad. Not great, but not too bad. So, as you can imagine, I'm pretty excited. I have the license, the certificate, the registration number, the name registered, the office set up, the window decals are on the way. I'll take a picture when they arrive for you all to gaze at in wonder. I got a sample of the proof today and it looks awesome.

In other, although similar news, I am volunteering at the 'Relay of Life' as an on-site RMT. It's a race for cancer and it runs from 7:00 PM on Friday night to 7:00 AM Sunday morning. It should be fun and I'll have yet another shirt advertising my massaging. It also gives me a chance to promote myself!

I also have a bridal shower to go to on Sunday and I still don't have a gift for the bride. I'm just not sure what to get her. I want her to really like it. I'll mull it over.

And!, X-Men III comes out in theatres today and Cassie's totally coming into town to see it with me as well as maybe Amber, depending on how she's feeling after work. (And yes, I meant to put an ! after the first and).

On the subject of Amber, my best friend is moving back to Camrose in a week or so. It makes me incredibly sad. She was a little present from God and now she'll be hours away. I have to stop talking about it now, because I'm starting to lose it. The good thing is, for the time she's still in Lethbridge, she's living with me so it gives us a chance to spend some time together.

Also, it looks like we'll be getting baptised on the 11th. It's not a sure thing, but that's what we're looking at.

And, one more note, my hair is almost as long as it was before I shaved it...which isn't very long but still...

Anyways, you all have a splenderferous weekend. I know I will be.

A Time of Celebration

Okay, not only is it Lethbridge's 100th birthday, but it is officially a year since Dave and I parted ways (to put it nicely). And I think that is a prime reason for celebration because I have never felt so happy and close to my friends, family and God in the past year. It's been a year of growth and a year of learning from fresh mistakes. It's been a year of grief and a year of sublime happiness. So, I ask you all to raise a glass and toast with me to my new found, crazy, in-love with the world life. Thank you and God Bless. Oh, yeah, and happy birthday Lethbridge!

Shout Out

I wanna do a massive shout out to Brynne's mom. I love you...you are so cool. And you said 'sage advice' which I find encouraging. There isn't enough usage of exciting words. And, upon request, I am to remind Brynne of the bad habit of knuckle cracking although the occasional crack in joints is healthy (it releases captured air). Have a jolly exciting day.

I Could Die of Pure Joy

I am graduated...I have just finished my last exam and am ready to face the world as a certified massage therapist. The relief hasn't set in yet...probably in a couple of days. Your prayers did not go unanswered, I thank you a million times over for them. Now if I can just get my job, I'll be one happy camper.

A Sigh of Relief

Well, one test down and three more to go! I am so glad tonight's test is over...it was one of the ones I was most worried about. Seriously. But God pulled through and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. But I still need all your prayers for the last three. I only have five days to pull it off. Anyhoo, I love you all and have a fantabulous evening. I know I will.

Lucky Number Sleven

Okay guys, so I totally went and saw 'Lucky Number Sleven' lastnight and it was awesome. I had been hearing rave reviews but I'm always cautious about gangster movies. Anyways, not only does it have an all-star cast (Josh Hartnett, Ben Kingsly, Morgan Freeman, Bruce Willis and Lucy Liu), but it's writing is insane. It's funny and witty and the plot twists and turns. It's a definate must-seeee.

Things Are Going My Way

Do you ever have one of those days where everything falls into place? Those days are so miraculous. I decided to have my locks changed yesterday because I had the feeling that someone had been in my apartment while I was away and I got a call lastnight from my landlord telling me that he'd have them personally changed today. Then, I lost contact with my mom and sister yesterday and couldn't get ahold of them. I even drove an hour to there house in the middle of the night to see if they had come home and they were gone. I checked the hospitals for accidents. Everything. Then, this morning, before I had a chance to really lose it, Mom called me....They were partying it up in Montana and they're bringing me something back. About half an hour later, the phone rang and it was an interview call for an administrative/managerial/massage position. It sounds so promising! I might have a job by the time I get out of school! And, speaking of school, I'm almost done! I graduate next Saturday!

So, thank God for great days....He smiles down on us and sometimes in big ways. It's been an absolutely blessed day.

And Now For Something Completely Different

Hey guys! I saw this on Brynne's site and thought, 'hey this is interesting' so here ya go:

1. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the face of the Earth? Yes.
2. How do you flush the toilet in public? How many different ways are there?
3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? Yes, I'm adamant about the seatbelt.
4. Do you have a crush on someone? No
5. Name one thing that you start to get tense about if you are close to running out of it: Gas, money, food.
6. What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? Drew Barrymore
7.What is your favorite pizza topping? Cheese
9. Do you crack your knuckles? Nope, I'm a massage therapist. I know how bad that is for you.
10. What song do you hate the most when it gets stuck in your head? 'My Hump' by the Black Eyed Peas, 'Don't Ya' by the Pussycat Dolls or 'You All Everybody' by Driveshaft.
11. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? Not yet
12. What are your super powers? My ability to speak in any situation.
13. Peppermint or spearmint?Either
14. Where are your car keys? Hanging on the key rack by the front door.
15. Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? It doesn't matter.
16. What's your most annoying habit? Fiddling with things when I'm having a conversation.
17. Where did you last go on vacation? B.C.
18. If you could punch one person in the nose and get away with it, who would it be? Alex North off 'Days of our Lives'...no one real really pushes my buttons.
19. What is your best physical feature?My hair (when I have it)
20. What CD is closest to you right now? None of them, they're all upstairs. I'm listening to Queen on media player though.
21. What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? Margerine, Onions, Yogurt.
22. What superstition do you believe/practice? None of them.
23. What color are your bed sheets? A multitude of colors...It's a chinese theme with cream, white, black and burgandy.
24. Would you rather be a fish or a bird?A bird.
25. Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? All the time.
26. What are your favorite sayings? "Yay!"
27. What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? Moulin Rouge, Melissa Etheridge, Kelly Clarkson, Disney, Christmas songs
28. If you could go back or forward in time, would you and where would you go? I'm satisfied where I am thank you.
29. What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? I have no idea.
30. What CD is in your stereo? Queen
31. What CD will be in your stereo in a few minutes? Still Queen
32. How many kids do you plan on having?2-5
33. If you could kiss anyone who would it be? Holy crap, what a question! Um, Dominic Monahagn, Jake Gyllenhaal, or Josh Hollaway
34. Would you really want to kiss someone you didn't know, even if they are famous? Would I want to, yes. Would I do it, no: It's not ethical.
35. What do you do when no one is watching? My aerobics
37. Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? Peacefully, hands down.
38. Have you ever started to fill out a survey and then thought "this is stupid" and exit without sending?Yes.
39. Coffee or tea?Either or. Depends on the day.
41. Have you ever been in love? Yes
42. Do you talk to yourself? All the time

It's Over

Okay guys, so the Pilate challenge is over. It ended two days ago. I'm not sure what to say about it. I'm definately alot stronger...but I'm not sure if appearance-wise it made any difference. The thing is though a two week challenge is basically useless considering you won't see results until a little later so, the work out continues. I feel good though except for having the fourth cold this year. That's one every month! My immune system has to buck up! Anyways, happy health!

Good Days Come Often

The world makes me smile....especially today.
Today, I had one of my old clients from the clinic come into my house for a massage and she brought me a present. This totally cool mirror for my room that was made for her and she wants it to be passed along to me.
It's round with a sun painted in the middle and blue star-type shapes along the outside. Toatally Allison. It's just one of those great, smiling days. And it's raining and that's always exciting.

Wisdom

Okay guys, this week we delve into Proverbs 7. The subject this week was 'Wisdom' and we had to take a good look at ourselves which can be hard so I'm just going to post it up and get it out there in hopes that you can do the same.
Firstly, we learned that we have to take a good look at our foolish mistakes in our lives. We must be able to point out these flaws and say, there they are in order for healing to begin. Also, in doing so, it enables us to bring someone into our lives whom we trust enough to keep us honest. Which is my challenge for you all this week. Think of someone you really, really trust and ask that person to be an accountability partner. That person's job is to keep a check on you so you have to keep honest.
Secondly, we learned about three important pitfalls that all of us suffer with: drifting without purpose, acting on impulse and not thinking of consequence. Generally, each of us have trouble specifically with one of these things. What's your pitfall? Mine is acting on impulse. That' where I find most of my troubles.
Finally (and this is important), without Christ, we would constantly be falling victim to foolish things because we would have no guide to what is right. Wisdom is available to all of us. Just ask for it, and God will give it to you. That means less and less foolish mistakes! Of course we'll still make them, that's a part of learning. But hopefully they won't be something you'll regret forever.

Here are some questions for you to ponder and feel free to email me to discuss it. Everyone needs an outlet:
1. What is something you have done in the past that you consider foolish? What makes you view the situation differently now?
2. How could you avoid falling into that mistake again?

3. What's your defense against your pitfall?

Bible Verse of the Week:

'For God alone my soul waits in silence,

For my hope is from Him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

My fortress; I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my deliverance and my honor;

My mighty rock, my refuge is in God."

Psalms 62:5-7